This morning I was fortunate enough to attend the announcement of the Premier’s Literary Awards at the State Library of Queensland. Click on the link to see all the short-listed books and authors. I’m delighted to see that Nam Lee’s, The Boat, was nominated in both the Fiction award and the Short Story collection category. Truly masterful writing and one of my favorite covers of all time.

Amy Barker, last year’s winner of the Emerging Author Manuscript category, this morning launched her book, Omega Park, and read from her published novel. She talked about how writing is her serious work and her job supports her writing. That writing is something she has no choice about. It must be done. I completely relate. Writing is so deeply important and essential to me, I cannot not do it. Perhaps thats why, as writers, awards are so important. Amy says that, although it sounds cliche, this award – and the publication that resulted from it – really has changed her life. Amy’s book will be launched at Avid Reader on the 3rd of September.

Brown Skin Blue is eligible for next year’s awards. (Gulping and crossing fingers in advance.)